A judge has ordered a Dobbs Ferry man to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after the SPCA of Westchester rescued 19 dogs from his apartment.

"It was urine, feces. There were dogs all over the place in cages," said SPCA Chief Ken Ross. "They were stacked. Anybody who does something like this ? it's an alert that the person does need help."

The dogs - mostly puppies - consisted of Maltese, Yorkies and Jack Russell terriers. The judge ordered them housed at the New Rochelle Humane Society until a decision is made about whether they will be put up for adoption or returned to their owner.

Joseph Balducci, 66, faces 19 counts of animal cruelty for the alleged living condition at his Main Street apartment, where officials said the smell was unbearable.

For an interview with a Humane Society representative, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

New Rochelle Humane SocietySPCA of Westchester: 914-632-2925To report Westchester and Putnam abuse, e-mail spachief@optonline.net